FlixChatter Double Reviews: Beyond the Lights & Begin Again

Neither one of these two indie films were even on my radar but I’m sure glad I got to see them! Beyond the Lights is currently out in select theaters and Begin Again are now available on VOD.

Beyond the Lights

The first time I learned about this movie was when I saw a photo of Gugu Mbatha-Raw in full S&M getup with purple hair and I thought, is that the actress from Belle? I absolutely loved her in that movie so she’s definitely the main draw for me to see this.

The film introduces us to the protagonist Noni Jean when she’s in her early teens. Raised by her driven & ruthless single mother Macy (Minnie Driver) who took her to various talent contests, it’s apparent that failure is not an option for her. Fast forward over a decade later, Noni (Gugu Mbatha-Raw) has blossomed into a Rihana-like pop star on the brink of superstardom. She’s just won a Billboard Music award as part of a hip-hop duo with Kid Culprit (played by real life rapper Machine Gun Kelly). Noni is seemingly at the top of her game, being touted as a hot new artist with fans and paparazzi and throng of fans hot on her trail. But the pressure of fame drives Noni to the point of self destruction, as the more famous she becomes, the more she feels invisible. Kaz Nicol (Nate Parker), a young cop who’s assigned to be her security that night saves her just in the nick of time. ‘I see you,’ he says, and somehow that gives Noni just enough hope in her to keep going.

Noni and Kaz are inevitably drawn to each other, and it’s no brainer that the two end up together. Some people compare this film to The Bodyguard but I honestly never thought of that movie the entire time I was watching this. For one, the relationship between the two characters are more on equal footing as Kaz isn’t technically working for Noni here and Noni herself isn’t quite in the same level as Whitney Huston’s character who’s already reached superstar status.

Though at first glance this film may appear as a romantic drama, it’s actually so much more than that. Yes there are romance and romantic scenes, but it’s all part of Noni’s journey of self-discovery and being able to stand on her own two feet. It’s also a commentary on the image-obsessed music industry that exploit female sexuality to sell records. The outfits that Noni wear in the movie would make even Lady Gaga blush [or maybe not], there’s one particular outfit where her upper body is only covered by a string of chains and nothing else. It’s a not-so-subtle hint that Noni is metaphorically and literally in chains, the fact that she’s always in the shadow of her rapper partner and is also controlled by her mother within an inch of her life.

By the same token, Kaz’s life is in a way also controlled by external influences who push him for a political career. He’s also got an ambitious police captain father (Danny Glover) with his powerful allies and the pressure is getting to him as well. It’s an interesting parallel life story but the movie is more about Noni, which is truly the beating heart of the movie.

Mbatha-Raw is astounding in yet another career-making performance that shows her acting chops and versatility. Noni requires a tremendous physical as well as emotional commitment from the actor, and the British actress totally owned her role. I certainly hope she’ll get some kind of recognition come award season and that Hollywood continue to cast her in prominent roles. I also love the casting of Minnie Driver here, who I think is an underrated actress. Though I don’t agree with Macy’s actions, I don’t see her as a *villain* and the film does give us a glimpse into her character’s motivations.

The film itself is not perfect, there are moments that feel awkward or too schmaltzy. Pacing also feels a bit off as some scenes feel more drawn-out than they should be. The scene of Noni & Kaz on the plane makes me cringe, and Nate Parker‘s constant shirtless scenes also feel gratuitous that it made me laugh. That said, I’m impressed by Gina Prince-Bythewood‘s direction and the story kept me engaged and fully-invested in the main character. Last but not least, the music is definitely the highlight here, thanks to Mark Isham‘s emotive score. The song Blackbirdholds a special meaning to Noni and by the time she sung a rendition of it towards the end, I wanted to get up and cheer for her!

This film seems to be under most people’s radar but I really hope that people would give it a look. I know I’d readily watch this again and the soundtrack is definitely worth buying!

Begin Again

This movie wasn’t even on my radar until fairly recently, and I haven’t seen Once yet which was Director John Carnet‘s critically-acclaimed debut. Well, I like Carney’s storytelling style and he’s assembled a great cast to tell the story.

Mark Ruffalo plays Dan, a distressed record producer of an indie label who’s been having a very bad day. Clashing with his business partner that leads to him losing his job and feeling estranged from his ex-wife and teenage daughter, he ends his day at a bar to drink his woes away. Meanwhile, Keira Knightley‘s Greta is nursing a broken heart having just split from his musician boyfriend and was dragged to perform a song by his BFF in attempt to cheer her up. Well it’s not exactly a meet cute, but you know that their encounter somehow would change their lives profoundly.

The film is told partly in parallel between the two characters, giving us a glimpse into their lives and how they intersect. The acting felt so natural and right away I connected with the two leads and their journey. This might be one of my fave Keira Knightley‘s performances and nice to see her portraying a plain and relatable girl, a role she seems to relish and have fun playing. Ruffalo is a reliable and charming actor and he’s just so likable and endearing here even at the moment of a life crisis. He embodies an artistic and idealistic guy who can *see* and feel music so deeply and he’s so convincing at it. The film took us on a ride with Dan & Greta sharing music on their iPods and hanging out together around NYC (which could double as the city’s tourism video). Music is infused throughout the film and so there are lovely musical moments here. Two of my fave scenes are featured in this week’s music break, but there’s also a fun one when the group play on a rooftop.

I LOVE the spontaneity and adventurous spirit as Dan assemble a group of amateur talents to make up a band for Greta and the recording process in various places – in an alley, rooftop and even a subway station – is fun to watch. This movie is so enjoyable and engaging that I even tolerate seeing Adam Levine playing a douche bag (convincingly, natch) but I have to admit he’s pretty decent here and I could see why they cast him. James Corden and Hailee Steinfeld also lend memorable supporting roles as Keira’s BFF and Mark’s daughter respectively, though Catherine Keener is a bit underutilized. Overall though, this is Dan and Greta’s story and both Ruffalo and Knightley shine in their roles.

The finale isn’t tied up in a neat little bow which I think gives the story even more poignancy, the way Roman Holiday was to me. Of course parts of me want a happy ending, but the more I think about it, I like it the way it is and there’s a genuine element of surprise when things don’t go as you expect it. I can’t recommend this movie enough, and trust me folks, you won’t be disappointed!

I’d call Begin Again’s ending more of a repeated stabbing to a heart than an element of surprise…God, that stupid girl! I was also so distressed after they came back to her place after that amazingly romantic scene and Ruffalo was all like ‘let’s do this baby’ and then Corden jumped out of the kitchen. Goddammit.

Glad you liked the movie! It was so charming and it’s my favorite character Mark played, he was so adorably joyful jumping around to music 🙂

Hi Sati! Ahah yeah, that interrupted rendezvous at the apartment gutted me too! But I don’t know if she’s being stupid though, as Ruffalo’s character didn’t really say anything that’d imply there’s something more going on, at least in the theatrical version we get to see. Now if he kisses her and profess his love to her and she still leaves, then maybe there’s something wrong w/ her. But I’m glad she didn’t end up w/ Adam Levine, can’t stand that guy.

Mark is absolutely charming in this. I remember the scene you mentioned about him going back to bed w/ that adorable messy curls of his, oh my 😛

I thought him calling all the moments with Gretta a pearl and the look he had on his face when they came back was kinda telling 😛 But yeah in that ending they shot and they didn’t use she is just an idiot. He’s not better, though – his wife was a complete bitch and he still came back. Yeah, Adam’s character was so awful.

LOVED Begin Again. I want to marry James Corden. I can’t wait to see Beyond the Lights. Gugu has been getting raves, and I LOVED her in Belle…so I’m all in for this one. I also really loved Love and Basketball, which I think is so horribly underrated.

I LOVE James Corden, oh you should see him in One Chance portraying Paul Potts. He’s just so charming and lovable. Glad you’ve seen BELLE, then you MUST see Gugu in Beyond the Lights. The film it’s not perfect but I love it and it’s something I’d watch again for Gugu!

Fine review of an endearing, entertaining, and fun film. You called some of their travels around the city while recording the songs as being a wonderful tourism film for NY. For me it like a return home as I lived in Manhattan for 30 + years.. And have personally been in some of the exact same places.

Hello Mike! I’d imagine you’d enjoy that scene as you live in Manhattan for so long. Having just visited NYC recently, I love seeing those places they visited. NYC is really so charming, this movie is almost like a love letter to that city.

Yay! Let me know what you think. Beyond the Lights is one of those films that despite its flaws, there’s something so beguiling about the character that you’re so invested in her story. Gugu Mbatha-Raw is a revelation, I’m definitely a huge fan of hers now.

I’ve seen fifty percent of these!!! Begin Again was a thoroughly surprising and endearing little movie, I think it has a shot at making my Surprises of the Year Award for this year’s Digibread Awards (which are, inexplicably, coming up somewhat soon here!) Man, how time does fly.

You have made a very good argument as to go see Beyond the Lights; it sounds like a possible outing in the near future, although I probably won’t be kicking myself for letting it get away from me. 🙂

Hiya Tom! Glad you’ve seen Begin Again. Looking forward to Digibread Awards. I sure hope you’d give Beyond the Lights a shot even if it’s normally not your forte. Simply to witness the force that is Gugu Mbatha-Raw. She made the film for me and I wish more people had been more aware of her as an actress.

That’s the spirit Tom! Now if you’ve been impressed by Gugu in Belle then you MUST see her in Beyond the Lights just to see her range. I still like Belle more but this one is still very much worth a look!

Hi Michael! Hope you’ll make time to catch Beyond the Lights on the big screen. Not only does it have a female protagonist, it’s also got a woman of color in the directing chair. A rarity in Hollywood and it’s a worthy film that should be seen.

I can’t say I’m that interested in seeing either of these movies. That actress Gugu Mbatha-Raw does look a lot like the late singer/actress Aaliyah though. Maybe if one of them is on Netflix, I’ll give it a watch.

Nice review, Ruth. I, too, liked the way that Begin Again ended, and yeah, this may well be Knightley’s best role yet. Certainly her most likeable, if nothing else. Haven’t seen Beyond the Lights, however.

Hi Chris! You’re right, it’s perhaps one of Keira’s most likable and relatable character. She has a certain vulnerability that I haven’t seen in other films. I can’t recommend Beyond the Lights enough, hope you’d give that a shot.

Ooo, great reviews here! Beyond the Lights has definitely been under my radar until your post (and another post I read), so I’d like to see that at some point. It’s kind of crazy how much I’ve been at the theater lately, so my goal is to not go broke in the months of November and December (haha, we’ll see). The movie looks great, and I listened to the songs you posted in your Music Break post. Wow, Blackbird really had me going! So good.

So glad you enjoyed Begin Again! I had such a fun time with that movie, and I really loved the music. Definitely one of the unexpected favorite films of the year for me. It was great to finally see Knightly NOT in a period piece, but just playing an ordinary girl. Glad you enjoyed this one, Ruth!

It’s a bummer Beyond the Lights is overlooked, seems that a lot of people haven’t even heard of it but it’s a good one. I LOVE the soundtrack, been listening to that Blackbird song constantly and it’s just so beautiful.

I really want to see Beyond the Lights, but it’s practically out of theaters here now. So I’m definitely going to rent it once it’s out on DVD! I’m glad you introduced me to it. I’ll settle for listening to the soundtrack until then. 🙂

Aww, that’s awesome! Glad you both enjoyed it. I think it might make my top ten this year, but I’ll have to see a few more films before I can say that!

Not really interested in Beyond the Lights but I probably will check out Begin Again.

Sadly I haven’t seen Once yet even though I love the song Falling Slowly. Such a brilliant song. Glen Hansard reminds me of Cat Stevens and that’s a good thing. As a musician the Best Song Oscar is usually the most boring part of the show but so well deserving of the Oscar in this case.

It will be interesting to see how Corden does when he takes over for Craig Ferguson on The Late Late Show in the spring.

Great reviews! Gugu Mbatha-Raw might be my Best Actress winner for Beyond the Lights. She’s amazing in that film. Glad you liked Begin Again so much. The cast and music are so much fun, and it’s one of the most charming films I’ve seen all year. Really hope it wins the Best Original Song Oscar.

About me

Hello I'm Ruth! Film is in my blood. LOVE movies of all genres, from Jane Austen to James Bond. Official blogger for the Twin Cities Film Fest (TCFF). I've recently completed my first feature screenplay & produced my first short film HEARTS WANT. Visit facebook.com/heartswantfilm

Trivia on Blade Runner 2049

Denis Villeneuve noted that he's fully aware of the immense pressure he's under, and how hardcore fans of the original view the prospect of a new film: "I know that every single fan will walk into the theater with a baseball bat. I'm aware of that and I respect that, and it's okay with me because it's art. Art is risk, and I have to take risks. It's gonna be the biggest risk of my life but I'm okay with that. For me it's very exciting... It's just so inspiring, I'm so inspired. I've been dreaming to do sci-fi since I was 10 years old, and I said 'no' to a lot of sequels. I couldn't say 'no' to Blade Runner 2049 (2017). I love it too much, so I said, 'Alright, I will do it and give everything I have to make it great.'"

Initially, Denis Villeneuve was against the concept of a sequel to Blade Runner (1982), as he felt it could violate the original. But after reading the script, which he and Harrison Ford have described as "one of the best" they have ever read, he committed to the project, stating that Ford was already involved at that point: "To be very honest with you, Harrison was part of the project before I arrived. He was attached to it right from the start with Ridley [Scott]. I met him and he's honestly one of the nicest human beings I've met and is one of my favorite actors of all time, so for me it's a lot of pleasure."

Jared Leto was introduced to Denis Villeneuve by his close friend Jean-Marc Vallée, who had directed Leto in Dallas Buyers Club (2013).

Emily Blunt was considered for a role but she declined due to her pregnancy.

This sequel is set to be released on October 6, 2017, just ten years and one day after the Final Cut version of the first film premiered in Los Angeles.

The sequel which takes place 30 years after Blade Runner (1982) is the story of new Blade Runner Officer K (Ryan Gosling) as he searches Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford) whom has disappeared. In Harrison Ford's earlier science fiction film Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015) which took place 30 years after Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi (1983), The film's main protagonists Rey (Daisy Ridley) and Finn (John Boyega) are searching for Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) whom disappeared. Harrison Ford played Han Solo in the Star Wars films.